Mods to my new Colt XSE

This is probably pretty simple for most guys on THR, but I made two changes to my Colt XSE today that made an already beautiful gun now simply gorgeous. I replaced the dreaded FLGR with an Ed Brown SS plug and guide and the nylon MSH with Ed Brown SS 25 LPI checkering. The only thing I may still do is add the matching beveled magwell and MAYBE have the front strap checkered. I heard Colt Custom will do it for $160. Does that sound high? Of course S/H charges would be substantial versus a local gunsmith.

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dubya450

May 18, 2012, 12:12 AM

Nice looking colt ya got there!

cyclopsshooter

May 18, 2012, 12:16 AM

I like your pistol ;)

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp233/wrc376/IMG_1501.jpg

bluethunder1962

May 18, 2012, 12:16 AM

Nice gun. I have a defender and was wantingto do some "stuff" to it where did you get that plug and other parts. I like that plug. I have a springfeild just likemy defender and it is missing the plug. I didn't even know ther was a colt custom.

sleepyone

May 18, 2012, 12:27 PM

where did you get that plug and other parts

they are Ed Brown parts from Brownells.com

9mmepiphany

May 18, 2012, 03:22 PM

That price seems way low for hand checkering, so it must be machine checkering...and it's in the ballpark.

You might take a look at what the Springfield Armory Custom Shop charges. They do nice work and give very accurate turnaround time estimates.

Have you considered having the line of the frame straightened above the trigger guard or the bottom edge of the slide beveled...since you're going to have the frame machined anyway?

Skylerbone

May 18, 2012, 04:22 PM

Looks pretty good so far!

Keep an eye on that GI guide rod, it can cause significant damage if not fitted properly. You'll also want to insure that the grip safety still blocks the trigger's rear movement (if you wish to retain that safety feature) and that the trigger bow has free range of movement without being captured by the GS arm.

The quoted price for checkering is reasonable but may not include the price for media blasting after which should be no more than $50. + 1 on straightening the trigger guard, having it undercut and dehorning.

sleepyone

May 18, 2012, 04:56 PM

Keep an eye on that GI guide rod, it can cause significant damage if not fitted properly. You'll also want to insure that the grip safety still blocks the trigger's rear movement (if you wish to retain that safety feature) and that the trigger bow has free range of movement without being captured by the GS arm.

Could you expound? I have tested all functions of the trigger, ambi-safety, grip safety and slide operation exept for the live fire, which I may do today. What damage can be caused by the GI Guide rod? I have a DW 1911 that I made that change to and it worked fine.

sleepyone

May 18, 2012, 04:58 PM

+ 1 on straightening the trigger guard, having it undercut and dehorning.

do you have a pic of one with this work done?

9mmepiphany

May 18, 2012, 05:27 PM

Not readily on hand.

Just imagine the line of the frame above your trigger, where the polished flat meets the matted round, being straight instead of undulating under the slide stop pin/lever

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc277/lowflash/Colt_XSE_Oct2008/ColtXSE2008Oct.jpg
This is an older Colt XSE that I up graded. The earlier examples of the XSE did not come with Novak sights which required the slide to be machined to accept the Novak’s. The OEM grip safety was replaced with an Ed Brown grip safety which required contouring the frame and fitting. I replace the OEM wood grips with Micarta grips. The OEM plastic main spring housing was replaced. As for the FLGR that was also eliminated. My example shows no damage with that change out after four plus years of usage.

KTXdm9

May 18, 2012, 09:24 PM

Looks great--nice work.

sleepyone

May 18, 2012, 10:35 PM

My example shows no damage with that change out after four plus years of usage.

sweet looking pistol! I lik the grip safety.

what kind of damage was skylerbone talking about? I have a friend who is a 1911 expert and he never mentioned anything like that when converting back to the original design. I've done others as well. Is this immediate damage or gradual damage and to what parts?

Hangingrock

May 18, 2012, 10:43 PM

I do not know what he is talking of ?????

Walkalong

May 18, 2012, 11:32 PM

replaced the dreaded FLGR
Just did this to a Colt as well. Someone had installed a Tungsten FL guide rod.

Your XSE looks great.

Skylerbone

May 19, 2012, 12:15 AM

The flange on some are larger/smaller and can also come with sharp edges. Just check the contact areas from time to time for any unusual wear. My XSE is minus the FLGR as well, mainly because the only advantage it holds, weight, is negated by the OEM part being hollow.

On the GS, the bottom indexes off the top of the MSH and, depending on where it contacts, can depress the GS to the point of disengaging it without your hand being on it. Some people pin it or rubber band it down. Others file the contact area down so the trigger clears and simply leave the Series 80 safety to serve its purpose.

bluethunder1962

May 20, 2012, 12:04 AM

Thanks sleepyone. That was what I have been needing.

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